3 May 2008
Reports from GC - Day 9: May 1
3 May 2008
Day 9: May 1
Some readers of my last entry may wonder why I count “non-African” delegates and what this has to do with our Social Principles. The basic point is this: the Social Principles are but a footnote in the Book of Discipline used in Africa and another document of social teachings, called the Special Advices, takes its place in prominence and practice. All conferences outside the US are allowed to adapt the Social Principles as they see fit for missional purposes. In essence, delegates from outside the US are voting on legislation that does not fully pertain to them. It’s a case of representation without taxation, to echo in reverse a famous line from Patrick Henry.
In today’s session, the newly proposed Social Creed (which Lee Hansen set to music last year) was adopted as a litany to accompany our existing Social Creed. There was also a 20 minute demonstration by reconciling ministries and MSFA between sessions of the plenary. Hundreds of people walked in the hall (arranged ahead of time) wearing black, filing in silently as they outlined the shape of a huge cross among the delegate tables. They then sang, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord.” It was a very emotional and somber time.
One dilemma I have faced is how to promote holy conferencing while witnessing for what I believe to be right, just, and true. One friend said to me after the demonstration, “They’ve co-opted my song.” His convictions would not allow him to stand and sing with the protesters. He feels that the dynamics here push people to one side or the other and that there is no room to stand in the middle. I’ve worried about the same myself. For instance, it is a custom for MFSA and reconciling ministries to distribute colorful stoles for people to wear to signal their support for LGBT persons. Myka made a set of stoles for this purpose. However, I have been trying to talk with persons from a variety of perspectives and have been attending Confessing Movement functions to hear what “the other side” has to say. Do I wear my stole? For the most part, I have decided to go unadorned, heeding Paul’s advice to the “strong” Corinthians regarding eating meat sacrificed to idols (1 Cor 8). I talked with Bridgette Young about the need for a middle space to discuss issues with persons of differing theological perspectives. We’re going to try to promote something for the next General Conference.
